The Breakers at Edgewater Beach sits in a high-rise right along the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, and you can see city and water views from many spots inside, and folks living there get a choice of independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or short-term stays all under one roof, which makes it easier as their needs change over time, and they've got studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, as well as private and semi-private accommodations, each with heating and air conditioning you can adjust, a private phone, voicemail, mailboxes, and cable television included, and you don't have to worry about chores since regular housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance are handled by staff, and all utilities are bundled in the package, which does take a load off your mind. Residents get three meals a day in a restaurant-style dining room with choices that change often, and there's a bistro and a bar for coffee, tea, happy hour, and some themed nights, and they'll arrange private dining rooms if you want something special, which is pleasant for family gatherings. You can stay active with things like water aerobics in the indoor pool, fitness classes, an exercise studio, or walking paths, and there's equipment for those who want more, and if you like group activities, there are games, puzzles, movie showings in the cinema, arts and crafts, and card rooms, plus a greenhouse and garden area for growing things even if you don't have a yard.
The place is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog or cat, and there's plenty of space with an outdoor courtyard, patios up high with lake views, and even indoor parking, which you appreciate in Chicago winters. If you need help, staff are available 24/7 for personal care such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and health checks, and nursing staff handle more serious concerns, including memory care for people with Alzheimer's or dementia, and they offer therapy and rehabilitation for those recovering from illness or surgery. Residents get access to preventive health screenings, physical and occupational therapy, and the chance to age in place without the need to move unless they want to, which gives a good deal of peace.
There's a private library, an art center, a beauty and barbershop, and spiritual services available both onsite and offsite for those who want religious support, plus concierge services like grocery delivery, transportation for offsite trips, resident parking, and mail delivery, and short-term stays are also possible if someone just needs a bit of recovery or a break, or is checking the place out. The programs change throughout the month, with outings into town, music events, educational talks, regular LGBT social hours, and meditation sessions, so people have a lot of ways to connect and keep busy, and there's strong effort to make sure folks feel respected and maintain as much choice and dignity as possible, with special support for both men and women depending on what's needed. Staff have a reputation for being friendly, kind, and helpful, and the place gets good reviews from residents and their families, plus a few awards for senior living. Overall, The Breakers at Edgewater Beach offers many service levels, extra amenities, and plenty of activities without fuss or pressure, and makes it possible for seniors to live with less worry about the details.